List of Countries Restricting Travel Because of Coronavirus

travelogue

The World Health Organization has declared the Convid-19 as a pandemic and advised that people take precaution to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The organization also advised against non-essential travel as the world battles the virus. At the national level, different countries have taken various measure to curb the spread of the virus, including imposing travel restrictions. This piece provides you with an updated list of countries that have imposed travel restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Africa

Algeria

The Algerian government has announced the suspension of all air and sea travel to and from Europe effective from 19 March.

Angola, Congo Brazzaville and Seychelles
These countries have banned the entry of travellers who have recently been in high-risk countries such as European countries – including the UK, Switzerland and Mayotte, China, South Korea and Iran. The Angolan list includes Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria.

Botswana
All travel to Botswana from high-risk countries such as China, Japan, Iran, the United States of America (US), United Kingdom (UK), Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and India has been banned. returning Botswana citizens from high-risk countries will be subjected to 14-day mandatory quarantine. All visa issuance is suspended, while already issued visas are cancelled until further notice.

Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tunisia and Uganda
Travellers who have recently been in affected countries are mandated to self-quarantine for 14 days.

BurundiAll passenger from China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Germany, France, Japan, Spain and all countries of the European Union and those who have stayed in these countries during 14 days preceding their entry in Burundi shall be quarantined for 14 days.

CamerounCameroon’s land, air and sea borders are closed from Wednesday 18 March 2020 0:00 AM

Cape Verde
All Cape Verdean sea borders are closed, while flights will be restricted from 18 March.

Chad
The Chad Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the suspension of all passenger flights to Chad effective 19 March 2020 midnight for a period of 14 days to contain COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, all passengers arriving from COVID -19 affected countries from Mar 17-19, 2020 will be quarantined for 14 days effective immediately.

Comoros
Comoros decided not to let any passenger from any point in China to arrive into the country. Please note that the restriction is also applicable to Comorian citizens.

Cote d Ivoire
From 16 Mar2020 and for 15 days, Cote D Ivoire has restricted non-Ivorian passengers from countries with 100 and more confirmed cases of COVID -19 from entering into the country. Ivorian nationals and non-Ivorian permanent residents will be subject to a compulsory quarantine for 14 days upon entering Ivorian territory in centres requisitioned by the state.

EgyptFrom 19 to 31 March 2020, All air traffic to and from Egyptian are suspended. Cargo flights are not affected.

Gabon
Effective 13th March 2020, the government of Gabon announced tourist visa holders from the European Union and the United States are not allowed to enter into Gabon in addition to the already banned countries of China, South Korea and Iran.

Mauritius

Mauritius has banned all forms of travel into the country by anyone with travel history to Reunion Island, the European Union, UK, Ireland, Norway and Switzerland, China, South Korea, Iran and other high-risk countries within 14 days before March 16. Mauritian nationals and permanent residents are excepted from the ban, but such Mauritian will be placed in quarantine.

Malawi

Travellers arriving in Malawi are required to undergo 14 days self quarantine.

Mali

The government of Mali has temporarily suspended all passenger flights to Mali effective Thursday, 19 March 2020.

Eritrea
Travellers who have recently been in China, South Korea, Italy, Germany or US are quarantine of 14 days.

Nigeria
Effective March 20, 2020, travel ban will be imposed on all travel from countries with more than a thousand confirmed Covid-19 cases. The following countries are presently affected by the ban Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Switzerland. The ban is for a month, subject to review. Travellers from these countries will be placed on a supervised self-isolation. Visa on arrival has been suspected.

Govt. of Nigeria is restricting entry into the country for travellers from: China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, United States of America, Norway, United Kingdom, Netherlands & Switzerland

On March 15, the government of Ghana announced a temporary ban on travellers from countries that have recorded 200 or more cases of coronavirus. The ban is not applicable to Ghanaians or Ghana’s legal permanent resident permits holder.

Morocco

As of March 15, the Moroccan government has suspended all flights to Algeria, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, as well as passenger ferry services. The government also shut down the land borders with Ceuta and Melilla, the autonomous Spanish territories on the coast of Morocco.

Travellers arriving in Morocco “will be asked to fill out a health questionnaire on arrival and may be subject to temperature and other screening,” according to officials.

Namibia

From March 15, Air Namibia will terminate its only long-haul route – Windhoek Int’l-Frankfurt Int’l. Its crew are to undergo quarantine and disinfection for Coronavirus. earlier on 14th, the Namibia government suspended inbound and outbound flights from Qatar, Ethiopia and Germany for 30 days- affected airlines are Condor, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways.

Somalia

All Airports in Somalia will be closed effective 19th of March 2020 for 15 days.

Somali Land

Effective March 19, 2020, all flights from Kenya, Somalia, China, Italy, Iran, France, South Korea and Spain are prohibited from Somaliland Airports for 28 days.

South Africa

President Ramaphosa has declared a national state of disaster and announced a travel ban on foreign nationals from high-risk countries as from March 18, 2020. While the details are still sketchy, it is clear that nationals from countries such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and China are affected.

Visas issued to visitors from the high-risk countries have also been cancelled effective March 15 and previously granted visas are revoked. South Africans are advised to refrain travelling to the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and other identified high-risk countries, while all travellers who have entered South Africa from high-risk countries since mid-February are required to present themselves for testing.

Additionally, any foreign traveller who has visited high-risk countries in the past 20 days will be denied a visa. As of March 16, 35 out of 53 of the country’s land ports of entry will be closed, as well as two of its eight seaports.

Sudan

Sudan(North) has suspended issuing of on arrival and transit visa to passengers originating from China and/ to passengers who transited via China. It has also suspended the arrival of all passengers to Sudan from the following countries either direct or transited through other points: South Korea, North Korea, France, China, Italy, Iran, Spain, Japan, Egypt. Khartoum airport is closed from 16 March 2020 – 30 March 2020 for all commercial passenger flights.

Tunisia

In Tunisian, the Government has banned all Chinese, South Korean, Iranian, and Italian citizens from entering the country effective March 15 until April 4. Those that have already secured passage within the next 14 days have been ordered to stay home. The ban also applies to those passengers transiting via Tunis or other Tunisian airports.

Equatorial Guinea

The Government of Equatorial Guinean has banned all international flights for a period of 30 days beginning March 15.

Djibouti

The Government of Djibouti in the Horn of Africa has announced the suspension of all international flights to/from Djibouti effective from March 17 onwards. Only Cargo flights are allowed to operate.

Guinea
Visitors must submit their passports for a 14-day monitoring period.

Liberia
Quarantine of 14 days likely, for travellers who have recently been in affected countries.

Madagascar
Effective from March 20, 2020 until April 20, 2020, all flights connecting Madagascar with the rest of the world, without exception, will be suspended. Self-quarantine is imposed for 14 days for travellers who have recently been in affected countries.

Americas

Argentina

Effective March 17, the Argentine government is banning all flights from Europe and the United States for at least 30 days. The 30-day entry ban extends to non-residents who have travelled to countries highly affected by coronavirus in the last 14 days. Furthermore, the government has temporarily stopped issuing visas to travellers from the United States, China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Britain and many European countries. Anyone arriving in Argentina from Covid-19 high-risk areas — including the United States, Europe, South Korea, Japan and Iran — are required to go into quarantine for 14 days.

Colombia

On March 13 the Colombian government after reviewing the coronavirus situation announced it would shut down the seven border crossings along its border with Venezuela.

Also, effective from March 16, Colombia will bar entry to any foreigner who has been to Europe or Asia within the past 14 days. Colombians who return from affected areas will be subject to mandatory quarantine for 14 days.

The US Embassy in El Salvador reports that on March 11, El Salvadorian President announced an entry ban of all foreigners effective immediately. Only accredited diplomats and legal permanent residents are exempted. Such exempted persons will be subject to a medical evaluation and possible 30-day quarantine.

Guatemala

Effective March 16, Guatemala will bar the entry of citizens of the United States, Canada, South Korea, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, China and Iran.

While Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has tested negative to Covid-19 after his meeting with President Trump of the United States, his medical team has suggested he remain isolated for at least a week. Meanwhile, the Brazilian health ministry recommended that all passengers who arrive on international flights remain at home for at least seven days and seek medical help if they develop coronavirus symptoms. No travel ban has been imposed in Brazil.

Canada

All non-Canadian citizens and non-permanent residents of Canada (Foreign Nationals) are not allowed to enter Canada. The ban excludes Air Crews, Diplomats, Immediate Family members of Canadian Citizens and USA Citizens.

Effective March 16, the ban will apply to foreign nationals departing from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

As of March 13, all American citizens and legal permanent residents who have been in high-risk areas and return to the United States are required to fly to one of the following 13 airports:

Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS), Massachusetts

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Illinois

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Michigan

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York

Los Angeles International Airport, (LAX), California

Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey

San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington

Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia

Uruguay

On March 13, President Luis Lacalle Pou of Uruguay announced that all passengers arriving from China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Iran, Spain, Italy, France and Germany must go into mandatory quarantine for 14 days as part of the country’s partial border closure.

Venezuela

On March 12, Venezuela announced it would suspend all flights from Colombia and European countries for at least a month.

Effective 19 March 2020, all people arriving Hong Kong (regardless of whether they are Hong Kong residents) who have been to any overseas country or territory in the past 14 days will be subject to compulsory quarantine. If a visitor’s permitted limit of stay in Hong Kong in accordance with the existing immigration policy is shorter than the length of compulsory quarantine (i.e. 14 days), he/she will be refused entry into Hong Kong.

India

As of March 13, the Indian government suspended most travel visas for a month – until April 15, with the exception of “diplomatic, official, U.N. or International Organizations, employment and project visas”. Visa-free travel afforded to some overseas citizens is also affected by the suspension until 15 April. All passengers, including Indians, “arriving from or having visited China, Iran, Republic of Korea, and European Union countries” after Feb. 15, will undergo a two-week quarantine.

Effective from 18 March, 2020 entry into India is banned for passengers from member countries of the European Union, the European Trade Association, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Indonesia

All passengers who have travelled to /transited via mainland China shall not be permitted to enter the county. Foreigners who have visited or transited China, Iran, Italy and South Korea in the past 14(fourteen days) without health certificate shall be denied entry.

Japan

As of March 15, Japan had banned entry for foreign travellers with Chinese passports issued by Hubei and Zhejiang provinces as well as those who had visited regions in China, South Korea, Iran or Italy that is affected by the virus, within the last 14 days.

Malaysia

All foreign tourists are banned in Malaysia. Malaysians are banned from travelling outside the country while those returning to the country must be on self-quarantine for 14 days.

Philippines

Anyone who has been to high-risk countries, including Italy and Iran, in the late 14 days before arrival must present a Medical Clearance or Health Declaration Certificate otherwise they shall be automatically excluded and sent back to the port of origin.

Anyone who has been to or transited through Italy and Iran within fourteen (14) days prior to arrival in the Philippines shall undergo a 14-day quarantine.

Singapore

As of March 15, “all new visitors with recent travel history to France, Germany, Italy and Spain within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into or transit through Singapore,” according to officials. This joins the existing ban on people with travel history to designated Chinese regions.

Singapore residents and pass-holders who have been to those countries in the past 14 days will be issued a “Stay-Home Notice,” which will require them to quarantine for two weeks.

South Korea

South Korea has restricted the entry of travellers with passports from China’s Hubei Province as well as anyone who has visited that region in the past 14 days. Additionally, Korean visas that were issued to travellers in Hubei are cancelled.

Visa-free entry to Jeju Island for all foreigners, as well as visa-free entry for Chinese nationals and travellers who are headed to China, are both suspended.

Thailand

As of March 12, travellers from China, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Italy and Iran who are headed to Thailand need to present a health certificate confirming a negative coronavirus test when checking in before their flight. These travellers must also show proof of insurance with coverage of at least $100,000.

All passengers arriving in Thailand will need to answer a questionnaire and their temperatures will be taken. Anyone transiting the restricted countries for less than 12 hours will not have to present a certificate or fill out the questionnaire, but they will be subject to enhanced screening.

As of March 13, according to officials, “travellers entering the Kingdom of Thailand who have been in the United States within the prior 14 days are subject to self-monitoring and reporting requirements.”

Vietnam

As ofMarch 15, Vietnam will refuse visitors from Europe’s Schengen Area and Britain, according to officials.

Australia and New Zealand

Australia

On March 15, the Australian government announced that all international arrivals will have to self-isolate for 14 days and that cruise ships arriving from foreign ports will be banned for 30 days.

According to officials the exception does not apply to foreign nationals coming from: China, South Korea, Thailand, Italy, Macau, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Egypt.

Jordan

As of March 17, all flights, excluding commercial air freight traffic, will be suspended, according to officials. The country’s land and sea borders are also closed to travellers.

The country also prohibits foreigners who were in China, Iran, Italy or South Korea within the previous 14 days before arriving in Jordan from entering the country, as well as anyone who had been to Lebanon, Egypt and Syria. And “starting on March 16, all foreigners arriving from France, Germany or Spain will be prohibited from entering Jordan,” according to officials.

Kuwait

Kuwait has prohibited all passengers from entering Kuwait except Kuwaiti citizens and is set to ban all commercial flights to/from Kuwait effective 13th of March

Lebanon

On March 11, the Lebanese government announced the suspension of all flights departing to Italy, Iran, China and South Korea, according to officials.

Update – Flights to/from Beirut shall be suspended from the 18th of Mar to the 29th of March in order to contain the spread of CoronaVirus. No commercial flight will be allowed to Land or depart at Beirut airport during this time.

Oman

Effective March 17th, 2020 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, foreign nationals WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to enter the Sultanate of Oman at all borders EXCEPT FOR OMANI’s and GCC CITIZENS.

Qatar

All inbound flights to Qatar will be suspended for at least 14 days effective 18 March 2020

Saudi Arabia

As of March 15, the government of Saudi Arabia suspended all international flights, inbound and outbound, for two weeks, according to officials.

United Arab Emirates

On 14 March the UAE announced that from 17 March, the UAE will temporarily suspend the issuance of all visas, with the exception of diplomatic passport holders (nationals of a few countries are still allowed visa on arrival). The country has also temporarily banned its citizens from travelling abroad.

The certificate, which must be dated within four days of arrival, needs to be signed by a licensed medical practitioner and be in English, German, Italian or French.

Croatia

Travellers arriving in Croatia from specific hard-hit areas, such as Italy, Iran and China’s Hubei province, must spend two weeks in government quarantine facilities at the expense of the traveller, according to officials.

The Croatian government also implemented health monitoring for passengers from several countries affected by the virus like Spain, the United States and Sweden. Travellers from these countries should self-isolate for two weeks, according to officials, “and report their condition to the nearest epidemiologist for further instructions.”

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, which declared a state of emergency, has banned passengers from “high-risk countries” and prohibited Czech citizens from visiting these places.

As of March 14, bus, train and boat transport from the Czech Republic to Germany and Austria was also banned. Air travel was also partially restricted, according to officials.

“All tourists, all travel, all vacations, and all foreigners who cannot demonstrate a credible reason to enter Denmark will be denied entrance at the Danish border,” Mette Frederiksen, the prime minister, said at a news conference, according to Reuters.

France

From mid-night of 17 March, 2020 only Citizens or residents of EU countries, Schengen or UK territories will be allowed to enter French territory. Foreigners coming from a third state, in transit on another third state where they are admissible will be authorized to transit.

Germany

Starting March 16, Germany will close its borders with Austria, Denmark, France, Luxembourg and Switzerland, the country’s interior minister said on March 15.

On March 13, the municipality for Oslo, the nation’s capital, said on its website that “foreign travellers from countries outside the Nordics arriving at Oslo airport will have to return home.” Reuters reported.

Updated: Effective 15 March 2020, Norway is closing the border to foreign nationals who don’t have a residence permit in Norway. Norwegians who are abroad and people who live or work in Norway can still enter the country. The airports will be open for international flights enabling tourist/foreign nationals to travel out of Norway. Anyone arriving to Norway from any country (Other than Sweden and Finland) upon arrival they will be quarantined for14 days or they will be returned back to origin.

Poland

As of March 15, Poland will ban foreigners from the country, suspend international air and rail services for citizens and border controls will be temporarily restored. All Polish citizens returning from abroad must voluntarily quarantine for two weeks, according to officials.

— Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland (@PremierRP_en) March 13, 2020

Russia

The Russian government banned the entry of Chinese nationals, except for transit, on Feb. 20, and on Feb. 28 it banned the entry of all Iranian citizens. On March 1, Russia restricted travel by South Koreans, mandating they enter the country only via Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow. As of March 13, the government banned Italian citizens from entry into Russia.

“Effective March 16, air travel between Russia and countries of the European Union, Norway, and Switzerland will be limited to flights between Moscow and capital cities,” according to officials.

On March 14, Russian officials announced plans to close the country’s land border with Poland and Norway to foreigners, according to Reuters.

Update: Effective March 18, 2020 to May 01, 2020.

All foreign citizen’s entry to Russia is prohibited, including those entering from Belarus. Visas invitations will not be issued by the immigration authorities too, including working visas.

Slovakia

The Slovak Republic closed all three international airports on March 12, and since March 13, “all the persons coming to Slovakia from abroad are obliged to remain in quarantine for 14 days.”

Only persons meeting one of the below criteria will be allowed to enter Swiss territory as set out in Ordinance 2 on measures to combat the Covid-19 coronavirus.

Those holding/carrying:

Swiss citizenship.

A Swiss residence permit, a cross-border commuter permit, a visa issued by Switzerland or an assurance of a resident permit.

A professional reason for entering Switzerland and possess a registration certificate.

Out commercial transport of goods and having a goods delivery note.

Only entering for transit through Switzerland and travelling directly to another country.

If they are in a situation of extreme necessity

Turkey

As of March 15, Turkey has suspended all flights to and from Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and South Korea. Foreign travellers “who were physically present in these countries in the last 14 days” are also barred from entering the country. Turkish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt, but they could be subject to a quarantine requirement, according to officials.

The Turkish government also closed its land borders with Iran and Iraq, as well as the Dilucu and Sarp land border crossings.

We welcome your contributions as we hope to constantly update this list. If you know of a travel restriction that should be on this list, please mention it in the comment section with the official source. you can also email us, at [email protected] or [email protected]

Michael Alvin

Creative Writer

Michael Alvin is a lawyer and a UNESCO certified journalist. At Afro Tourism, he blends creativity with his training in telling moving stories about his personal experience on his various trips across Africa.